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NMC issues no-leave advisory before NEET-UG 2026 to curb malpractices
The National Medical Commission advised medical colleges not to grant leave to students on May 2–3 ahead of NEET-UG 2026, with DoHE urging vigilance against malpractices. The advisory is followed by a detailed briefing on exam logistics and enhanced security measures by the NTA. The NEET-UG 2026 is scheduled for May 3, with a comprehensive plan to ensure integrity and smooth conduct.
Why It Matters
This advisory and the accompanying security measures are aimed at preserving the integrity of a high-stakes national medical entrance exam and preventing malpractices that could affect candidate outcomes.
Timeline
3 Events
NEET-UG 2026 exam security measures and schedule reported
April 24, 2026
The NEET-UG 2026 will be conducted in a single shift in pen-and-paper mode across 551 cities and over 5,400 centres in India and abroad, with about 22.8 lakh candidates. NTA Director General Abhishek Singh said biometric verification has been strengthened (one machine for every 48 candidates). The agency is also verifying candidate category changes to prevent document misuse. Security measures include GPS-tracked transport of question papers with police escort, double-lock strong rooms with 24x7 CCTV, Aadhaar-based biometric checks, two-layer frisking, and real-time monitoring through control rooms. Centres linked to coaching institutions or with inadequate infrastructure have been excluded, and government officials have been appointed as centre superintendents, observers, and city coordinators. Live dashboards and real-time monitoring systems are in place. The NEET-UG 2026 exam is scheduled for May 3.
NMC issues notice reinforcing leave restrictions ahead of NEET-UG 2026
April 23, 2026
In a notice dated April 23, NMC secretary Dr Raghav Langer stated that medical colleges should remain vigilant and sensitize students against involvement in activities prejudicial to the conduct of the examination, aligning with the DoHE direction.
DoHE secretary's letter to MoH urges vigilance and limits leave ahead of NEET-UG 2026
April 20, 2026
Vineet Joshi, secretary of the Department of Higher Education, wrote to Union health ministry secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, urging vigilance against malpractices and recommending denying leave to medical students on May 2–3 unless justified.